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Sunday, June 24
Updated: July 23, 4:57 PM ET
Team preview: Miami Hurricanes
ESPN.com
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The lowdown
2000-01 record: 16-13; 8-8 in Big East (t3rd in East)
Final Ranking: NR
Postseason: Lost to Auburn 60-58 in first round of NIT.
Three Questions for 2001-02
1. Can Darius Rice be the leader that the Hurricanes need him to be this season? Is he a true go-to player or does he need more help getting off his shot?
2. Will the Hurricanes get Elton Tyler back for the whole year, and if so, how will the layoff affect him? Can John Salmons, Tyler and Rice co-exist on a team that has to continue to be unselfish.
3. Does Miami have the depth in the perimeter to survive a guard-oriented league? The numbers are there in the frontcourt where the Canes will be tough to matchup with, especially when they press.
Three Key Facts
1. While the Canes missed the NCAAs, they did keep alive their postseason streak after reaching the NCAA Tournament the previous three seasons.
2. Miami renews its rivalry with Florida International when the two teams face each other Dec. 3 at the Miami Arena for the first time since the 1992-93 season.
3. Miami broke ground on the new 7,000-seat Ryder Center, the future home of men's and women's basketball teams. The $48 million facility is scheduled for completion for the 2002-2003 season.
Andy Katz's Scenarios
Best case: Miami becomes this season's BC or Providence and moves to the top of the standings, gets in the NCAAs and wins a game or two.
Worst case: The Canes can't win on the road and fall a game or two short of making the NCAA Tournament.
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Key Players Returning
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Player
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Yr.
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Pos.
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Ht./Wt.
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Comment
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John Salmons
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Sr.
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F
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6-7/200
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PTS: 13.3 | REB: 6.0 | AST: 3.7
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Darius Rice
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So.
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F
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6-10/205
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PTS: 14.0 | REB: 4.8 | AST: 1.0
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James Jones
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Jr.
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F
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6-8/211
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PTS: 11.9 | REB: 5.8 | AST: 1.2
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Key Losses
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Player
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Pos.
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Ht./Wt.
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Comment
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Dwayne Wimbley
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F
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6-9/245
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PTS: 7.4 | REB: 4.9 | AST: 1.0
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Miami Signings
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Player
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Pos.
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Ht.
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High School/College
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Rafael Berumen
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F
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6-9
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Los Angeles City College (Calif.)
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